In the heart of Brisbane’s bustling Fish Lane dining precinct, a new culinary gem has emerged, promising an experience akin to attending the best dinner party ever. Meet Marlowe, a cozy Australian bistro nestled within a 1938 heritage apartment block, once known as the Merivale flats. This unique venue, created by the team behind the acclaimed Rick Shores in Burleigh Heads, offers an intimate dining experience spread across four apartments, featuring nine dining rooms and pocket-sized bars.
The concept behind Marlowe is to provide a dining experience that feels less like a night out and more like a visit to a friend’s home, complete with a killer wine cellar and a wood-fired hearth. “There’s a level of homeliness to the space that informs all aspects of the venue’s philosophy,” says David Flynn, Director of the Fanda Group. “We want Marlowe to embody the same comfort as dropping into a friend’s house, and the same generosity and lavishness as a Sunday lunch at your grandparents’.”
A Nostalgic Menu with a Modern Twist
At the helm of Marlowe’s kitchen is Head Chef and Co-owner Ollie Hansford, who has crafted a menu inspired by vintage Australian cookbooks, infused with modern flair and driven by hyper-seasonal local produce. Diners can expect dishes like prawn-cocktail tartlets, braised duck pie with radicchio jam, and a coral trout Wellington topped with caviar butter.
“It’s a nod to the comforting meals that shaped us, and a celebration of the small, local farmers around us,” explains Hansford. The menu highlights Australian growers and makers, with ingredients sourced from local producers such as Chauvel Wagyu and Joyce’s Gold. “For many of the producers we’re working with, Marlowe is the only restaurant in the region they’re supplying,” Hansford adds.
‘I’m lucky to have locked in five kilos of jumbo yabbies a week from a farm just outside of Gympie, and 20 whole heritage-breed chickens from Joyce’s Gold too.’
An Inviting Atmosphere
Behind the scenes, a custom wood-fired hearth and raw bar keep the culinary action front and center, allowing diners to watch chefs shuck oysters, carve seafood, and plate glossy yabby tails in real time. Complementing the food is a 200-bottle Australian wine list and a selection of cocktails, with the Marlowe Martini already garnering attention.
The setting at Marlowe is as inviting as the menu, featuring walnut timber, polished chrome, and a palette of sky blue, buttercream, and deep crimson. The apartments are complete with sunrooms and a leafy terrace, providing a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. “There’s real momentum building in Fish Lane, and we’re proud that Marlowe can be part of its evolution,” Flynn notes.
Brisbane’s Dining Scene Evolves
As Brisbane’s dining scene continues to evolve, Marlowe stands out as a sparkling new hideaway for food enthusiasts. When asked how he hopes guests will feel after dining at Marlowe, Hansford’s response is compelling: “Like they’ve just left the best dinner party they’ve ever been to, and can’t wait to tell their friends about it. That feeling of being somewhere super special, homely, and relaxed.”
For those eager to experience this unique dining adventure, booking early is recommended. With its blend of nostalgia, local produce, and a welcoming atmosphere, Marlowe is poised to become a staple in Brisbane’s vibrant culinary landscape.
In the words of Flynn, “Consider this your cue to book early and linger long.” As Brisbane’s dining scene continues to flourish, Marlowe offers a delightful detour from the ordinary, inviting guests to savor the flavors and atmosphere of this hidden gem.
